Horse-Branding Is Unreliable, Vets Say

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Ranchers might want to put down their hot irons. New research suggests branding horses not only hurts the young animals but also proves to be an unreliable identification system.

A team from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna set out to test the legibility of brand markings, which typically combine a symbol for the particular breed with a two-digit, individual ID number. In the study, three experts were tested on how well they could decode the markings on about 250 horses at an equestrian tournament in Germany. Their scores weren't so hot.

"Branding is clearly associated with local tissue damage and the markings are often insufficiently clear to be decoded, even by experienced observers or after the horse has died," researcher Jörg Aurich said in a statement from the University of Veterinary Medicine. "There really isn't any reason to continue to mark horses in this outdated way."

Marking horses and other livestock is important for preventing the spread of disease and ensuring best breeding practices. The researchers say microchip implants, which are already being used in some places, would be more effective and less painful than branding. The study appeared this month in the Veterinary Journal.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.